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diatom
[ dahy-uh-tuhm, -tom ]
/ ˈdaɪ ə təm, -ˌtɒm /
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noun
any of numerous microscopic, unicellular, marine or freshwater algae of the phylum Chrysophyta, having cell walls containing silica.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
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British Dictionary definitions for diatom
diatom
/ (ˈdaɪətəm, -ˌtɒm) /
noun
any microscopic unicellular alga of the phylum Bacillariophyta, occurring in marine or fresh water singly or in colonies, each cell having a cell wall made of two halves and impregnated with silicaSee also diatomite
Word Origin for diatom
C19: from New Latin Diatoma (genus name), from Greek diatomos cut in two, from diatemnein to cut through, from dia- + temnein to cut
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for diatom
diatom
[ dī′ə-tŏm′ ]
Any of various one-celled aquatic organisms of the class Bacillariophyceae that have hard bivalve shells (called frustules) composed mostly of silica, can perform photosynthesis, and often live in colonies. They make up a large portion of the marine plankton and are an important food source for many aquatic animals. The skeletal remains of diatoms are the main constituent of diatomite.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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